You take in at this very moment, every rustling leaf, flying bird, small scurrying thing. The minutest detail of being, the soft scent language of the breeze, and those savory ghosts left behind in the night by some prowling thing that vanished into the undergrowth. You revel in its fragrance, scrutinize and consider.

And what surprise might come around the bend? You are neither nationalist nor patriot, nor are you swayed by ancient texts or great ambitions. You do not see the differences in features or colors or language. Everyone is your friend, and I am drawn along in your wake, offering up explanations.

And should you come to a crossroads, you stall with a backward glance inquiring, “Are you coming? Will you be right along? I cannot lose sight of you.”
My little beggar. At the end of the day you wait and wait casting about sad eyes until the time is right. You love everyone but you worship at my feet. You lean into me and caress my cheek, you lean into me and you sleep. And all I can hope is that, though I will not have you for all my days, that we will have us for all of yours.

Recently I finished writing my first fiction novel, and I think I will publish here bits and pieces of it. Many of the chapters begin with a scrap of poetry to set the tone. This is the heading for Chapter 4 of Grove of the Patriarchs.

From time to time I end up with those plastic containers that once housed strawberries or spinach. According to my curbside recycling guide they are not recyclable (differs by refuse company). So, I like to reuse them when I have them. Besides using them to organize my pantry or the kids markers, we make them into little seed starting greenhouses. You can buy a fancy seed starter system, but I find these work just as well and are easy to transplant.

Simply fill the bottom with soil and sprinkle in the seeds planting to required depth, water, close the lid and wait. I have successfully started onions, herbs, gourds, chard, and numerous other plants this way.

Happy Little Sprouts

Once seedlings have reached a level of growth where they will tolerate transplant, usually when they have developed roots and true leaves, I use a chopstick or spoon to separate out these tiny plants which then go into either 4 inch pots, or in the case of onions and squashes right into the garden.

Plastic containers need to be thoroughly cleaned in between plantings to discourage disease.

What other uses have you come up with for plastic containers? Happy planting!